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Apparel Mentor

We’ve partnered with The Apparel Mentor to offer our clients a discounted rate on their Monthly Guided Membership – normally $249 a month, now 25% off with Xochil’s special code!

Having an understanding of the product development process before meeting with your pattern maker is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. This knowledge allows you to articulate your design vision clearly, understand the technical aspects of pattern making, and make informed decisions throughout the process. It also helps you manage expectations and timelines, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome for your project.

Past TCPM clients who have completed the program have highlighted how it helped them become better communicators to us, as well as their suppliers and manufacturers, as they were more knowledgeable about industry vocabulary, expectations, and more. We suggest enrolling in The Apparel Mentor program to incoming clients who are new to the process because it can help to significantly streamline and enhance their product development experience by providing expert guidance and support at every stage.

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BENEFITS OF COMPLETING THE APPAREL MENTOR PROGRAM

Foundational Knowledge

  • Comprehensive Education: Gain a better understanding of the entire apparel production process, from design and pattern making to sourcing materials and manufacturing.
  • Industry Insights: Learn about industry best practices, quality control standards, and cost-effective strategies.

Sourcing and Manufacturing

  • Vendor Connections: Access a network of manufacturers and suppliers, saving you time and effort in finding reliable partners.
  • Production Optimization: Receive expert advice on optimizing your production timeline, minimizing costs, and ensuring timely delivery.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

  • Expert Guidance: Receive personalized advice and solutions to common challenges faced by apparel brands.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Make informed decisions about production techniques, materials, and sourcing strategies.

Continuous Improvement

  • Stay Updated: Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and sustainable practices.
  • Refine Your Process: Continuously refine your production process based on feedback and evolving market demands.

By leveraging the expertise and resources provided by The Apparel Mentor, you can significantly improve your production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of your apparel products.

Learn more about TCPM’s process and what to know before your first design meeting. Remember, the more prepared you are, the smoother your collaboration with The Chicago Pattern Maker will be!

This is where we will have a brief testimonal statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully. This is where we will have a brief testimonal statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully. This is where we will have a brief testimonal statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully.

This is where we will have a brief testimonal statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully. This is where we will have a brief testimonal statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully. This is where we will have a brief testimonal statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully.

This is where we will have a brief testimonial statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully. This is where we will have a brief testimonial statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully. This is where we will have a brief testimonial statement from a current client who has used the Apparel Mentor program successfully.

Why do we trust The Apparel Mentor?

Xochil has known Mindy Martell for many years. The two have collaborated together on numerous projects, are on the Board of SEAMS together, and Xochil has visited Mindy’s factory as well as endorsed her book, “GET IT MADE.” Numerous TCPM clients have completed The Apparel Mentor program and have had nothing but positive responses to it, which is another reason Xochil is proud to partner with Mindy and her company.

“GET IT MADE” by The Apparel Mentor’s Mindy Martell

“As a patternmaker and product developer who has worked with many startups over the years, I have been so impressed with Mindy’s program and how prepared her students are for the realities of the industry. Everything from the order in which tasks need to be accomplished to the importance of identifying and always coming back to the target consumer, how to communicate effectively with vendors, factories and service providers, and setting the expectations for the prototyping process. Mindy is a trusted guide who presents information in an approachable way, yet doesn’t sugarcoat the fact that starting a business in fashion isn’t easy. She helps to navigate through the nuances and noise so entrepreneurs who follow the program have a big advantage over their competition.”

—XOCHIL HERRERA SCHEER, Apparel Engineer; Product Development Expert; Owner, The Chicago Pattern Maker

You can buy the book HERE